El Questro Wilderness Park – Western Australia www.elquestro.com.au
El Questro Wilderness Park – re-opens for 2013 season
El Questro Wilderness Park, one of Australia’s most spectacular destinations, has re-opened its gates again from 29th March 2013 to welcome visitors to the magnificent Kimberley region in far north-Western Australia. Just 110km from Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park is a million acres of one of the world’s last unspoilt regions.
Re-emerging after the glorious annual wet season El Questro Homestead re-opened on 29th March, followed by The Station on 11th April, with Emma Gorge Resort set to re-open on 29th April.
El Questro Wilderness Park – New lookout
Also new for this year is a tour to a new lookout called Buddy’s Point in memory of local El Questro legend Buddy Tyson who passed away in 2011. Former rodeo champion, drover and tour guide at El Questro, Buddy Tyson was a larger than life cowboy who was loved for his whip cracking show and his humour.
The views from Buddy’s Point take in the heart of the Chamberlain Gorge, and the Homestead, nestled amongst mahogany and frangipani trees, the Station, Saddleback Ridge and the Cockburn Ranges.
Looking in the opposite direction guests can see where the Pentecost River converges with the Chamberlain River and creates the crossing that leads to Explosion Gorge.
Sunset tours to the new Buddy’s Point lookout will cost $60pp and the lookout can also be booked for private use for the afternoon and into sunset – a fruit and cheese platter and sparkling wine are the perfect complement to the view.
El Questro Homestead – new Cliff Side Retreats
Three new stylish Cliff Side Retreats opened recently at this exclusive resort property in the Kimberley region, bringing the room total to just nine suites.
The Retreats, overlooking the spectacular Chamberlain Gorge, offer uninterrupted views of the rugged scenery courtesy of the floor to ceiling, sliding glass walls. From the shower, guests can access either the free standing bath on the verandah or the garden rain shower surrounded by magnificent stone walls that ensure complete privacy.
Emma Gorge Resort – smoother road access
Self-drive guests can now enjoy a quicker and little less bumpy journey from Kununurra to Emma Gorge Resort. The road has now been sealed and the journey is now taking around 45 minutes.
The last 2km of road off the Gibb River Road remains unsealed however this is still suitable for 2WD vehicles.
Lizard Island – Queensland, Great Barrier Reef www.lizardisland.com.au
Lizard Island– Heli Tours
This year we also introduced heli tours to and around Lizard Island. Guests now have the option to see the Island and its surrounds in style following the decision to base two helicopters on the island.
Operated by Skysafari Australia, the four-seater Robinson 44 helicopter and the five-seater Robinson 66 helicopter– nicknamed the sports cars of helicopters – operate a range of scenic tours and day tours taking advantage of Lizard Island’s enviable location on the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef.
Skysafari is also offering transfer options from Cairns for those guests who want to arrive in style. If time allows they stop off along the way on one of the many islands in the area for a look around and a glass of bubbly.
Lizard Island– Gourmet Weekend
Qantas epiQure, Wolf Blass and Lizard Island are joining forces to host an exclusive gourmet wine and dining experience for just 80 guests over the weekend of 24-26 May.
Against the backdrop of the stunning natural beauty of Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, guests will be treated to a showcase dinner by Neil Perry, hosted by Wolfgang Blass; wine Masterclasses by Chris Hatcher, Wolf Blass Chief Winemaker showcasing the Wolf Blass Luxury Collection; and Q&A sessions with Wolfgang Blass and Neil Perry.
Lizard Island– Black Marlin Classic
Fishing enthusiasts are gearing up for another season of heavy tackle fishing as the sparkling waters become home to the largest Black Marlin in the world from September to December each year.
Dubbed the “Formula One of Fishing”, the 27th Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic which takes place from October 12-19, 2013 is a top event for game fishing enthusiasts each year.
Voted best resort in Australia by readers of Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine in 2012, Lizard Island is Australia’s northernmost resort and lies at the top end of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns.
As well as being a fishing playground, the Island boasts unrivalled dive and snorkelling sites with a myriad of corals, fish, ancient giant clams, spotted rays and sea turtles on display.
Heron Island – Queensland, Great Barrier Reef www.heronisland.com
Heron Island – Great Barrier Reef Swim
In its third year, the Great Barrier Reef Swim will take place from 10-14 October 2013. The event, held in partnership with Oceanswims.com, involves a competitive swim around the Island for a distance of approximately 3kms and also shorter course options. There is also a swim clinic and a range of social events as well.
HeronIslandwill close in 2013 from early May to mid-June for a scheduled maintenance program.
Wilson Island – Queensland, Great Barrier Reef www.wilsonisland.com
Just five acres in size, Wilson Island is a tiny coral cay island with a big personality. Wilson Island can accommodate just 12 adults at any one time (six couples) in castaway themed tented cabins and offers guests sumptuous cuisine, premium beverages and snorkelling over coral gardens.
WilsonIslandhas proved to be a popular spot for honeymooners and groups looking to hire the tiny five-acre island exclusively.
WilsonIslandhas also proved to be a popular breeding ground for green and loggerhead turtles, which come ashore from November to April every year to lay their eggs.
Kings Canyon Resort – Northern Territory www.kingscanyonresort.com.au
Kings Canyon Resort – Under a Desert Moon
The popular Under a Desert Moon dinner at Kings Canyon Resort is being re-developed for 2013.
The five-course Under a Desert Moon dining experience will re-commence on 30th May, offering guests the chance to enjoy the desert experience at night after a day’s exploring of this amazing outback location.
The $99 menu will showcase a variety of modern Australian cuisine including braised crocodile bound in a honey mustard aiolior roasted asparagus spears wrapped in emu prosciutto for starters, with a glass of sparkling wine. This will be followed by a four-course menu, including sweet potato, ginger and coconut soup with fresh damper and barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs.
The Under a Desert Moon experience will be offered in two locations – in its current spot over the central fire pit, and at the new private sunset viewing platform, allowing us to expand it from 12 to 32 guests.
This location, exclusive to Kings Canyon Resort guests, will be surrounded by the desert scrublands and will give the guests a chance to view the changing colours and eventually the sunset over the Canyon and then enjoy star gazing with no light interference.
Kings Canyon Resort – Outback BBQ & Grill
Meanwhile the Outback BBQ & Grill at Kings Canyon Resort is set to re-open again on May 1st.
The Outback BBQ & Grill is a true Australian Outback experience offering contemporary Australian BBQ cuisine.
Guests can revel in the friendly atmosphere, mixing with other guests under a solid roof with open sides – a traditional outback veranda.
This casual bar and grill also provides live entertainment on six nights a week during peak season (May to October).
Kings Canyon Resort – New sunset viewing platform
Guests can now enjoy the spectacular Red Centre sunsets at the new viewing platform at Kings Canyon Resort.
Guests can reach the new viewing platform on the elevated dune boardwalk, which takes them to a secluded spot to watch the sun as it sets over the majestic Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park.
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